USER GUIDE

No.1
SECOND
EDITION

VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES

A GAMBICA / REMA TECHNICAL GUIDE

AND MOTORS

Motor insulation
Insulation and
PWM Inverter Drives

ROTATING ELECTRICAL
MACHINES ASSOCIATION

Developed by the joint GAMBICA/REMA Working Group

USER GUIDE
No.1
SECOND
EDITION
VARIABLE SPEED DRIVES AND MOTORS
Motor Insulation and PWM Inverter Drives

INTRODUCTION
This user guide provides information to enable the correct matching of
low voltage induction motors up to 690V and PWM inverters with
respect to motor insulation.

The guide was produced by a working group of GAMBICA (Variable

Speed Drives Group) and REMA, which are the associations for variable
speed drive and electric motor manufacturers respectively. It is based
on a review of published literature on the subject and a variety of test
results and practical experience of member companies.

Variable speed a.c. drives are used in ever-increasing numbers because

of their well-known benefits for energy efficiency and for flexible control
of processes and machinery using low-cost readily available
maintenance-free a.c. induction motors. While the connection of a
motor to an inverter supply is straightforward, some basic
considerations are necessary to ensure trouble free long-term operation.

Insulation performance is one of the considerations required in

engineering variable speed drive solutions. Following these guidelines
gives the user confidence in the final selection.

For readers requiring a more in-depth understanding, Technical Report

No1 ‘Motor Insulation Performance Under PWM Inverter Operation’ is
available from GAMBICA or REMA.

SUMMARY
◆ Motor winding insulation experiences higher voltage stresses when used with an inverter
than when connected directly to the a.c. mains supply.

◆ The higher stresses are dependent on the motor cable length and are caused by the fast rising
voltage pulses of the drive and transmission line effects in the cable.

◆ For supply voltages less than 500V a.c. most standard motors are immune to these higher stresses.
◆ For supply voltages over 500V a.c. a motor with an enhanced winding insulation system is
required. Alternatively, additional components can be added to limit the voltage stresses to
acceptable levels.
 Motor Insulation and PWM Inverter Drives

MOTOR SELECTION

For supply voltages less than 500V a.c.

◆ Select a standard motor from REMA manufacturers (see back page).
No further insulation considerations are necessary for PWM inverters.

◆ For motors from other suppliers, where the motor cable length
exceeds 10m, the pulse withstand capability should be established
by reference to the supplier. The permitted voltage/rise-time
characteristic should equal or exceed curve A shown in the graph.

For supply voltages in the range 500V - 690V a.c.

◆ Select a motor with an enhanced insulation system available from
REMA manufacturers. The additional cost of the enhanced insulation is
typically 10 - 20% of the standard motor cost. No further insulation
considerations are necessary for PWM inverters.

◆ For motors from other suppliers, the pulse withstand capability

should be established by reference to the supplier. The permitted
voltage/rise time characteristic should equal or exceed curve B
shown in the graph.

Notes:
i) Motor frame size selection must be appropriate for the application and duty.
ii) Insulation requirements may be affected by the application specific notes overleaf.

ALTERNATIVE APPROACH
Use Additional Preventative Methods
It may not be possible to follow the above recommendations - for example because the drive is to
be retro-fitted to an existing motor, or data is not available for the motor concerned. In these cases
an additional preventative measure is recommended - options are shown in the table on the right
and the relative merits should be discussed with the drive supplier.

If special measures such as drive output reactors or filters are to be used for other reasons e.g. to
limit the capacitance charging currents associated with motor cables or to reduce ripple currents,
then no further special precautions are usually required.
 M O T O R P U L S E W I T H S TA N D C H A R A C T E R I S T I C C U R V E S
P E A K V O LTA G E / R I S E T I M E

5 20 30 50 100 Motor Cable Lengths (m)

Typical test results with
2.6 SWA motor cable lengths
2.4 5, 20, 30, 50 and 100m:
Curve B
415V a.c. supply
2.2
480V a.c. supply
2.0
690V a.c. supply
1.8
Peak Voltage (kV)

1.6 Curve A Voltage/rise time withstand

requirements for motors
1.4
fed from PWM drives with
1.2 supply of:

1.0 <500V a.c. (Curve A)

500 - 690V a.c. (Curve B)

0.8
Voltage/rise time
0.6
withstand capability
0.4 given in IEC 60034-17:1998

0.2

0.0
0.01 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2

Voltage Pulse Rise Time (µs)

Notes: i) Motor pulse withstand requirements on 415V supply generally exceed the minimum capability specified in IEC 60034-17.
ii) Pulse risetime is in accordance with the IEC 60034-17 definition.
iii) These curves are based on the practical experience of GAMBICA and REMA members.

T Y P I C A L R E L AT I V E C O S T S - D R I V E S A N D P R E V E N TAT I V E M E A S U R E S
(MOTOR = 100%)

P R E V E N TAT I V E M E A S U R E

RATING DRIVE MOTOR

OUTPUT OUTPUT dv/dt SINUSOIDAL TERMINATION
INDUCTOR FILTER FILTER UNIT

2.2kW, 415V 350% 75% 440% 330% 170%

75kW, 415V 220% 15% 100% 150% 10%

250kW, 415V 120% 5% 65% 110% 3%

160kW, 690V 150% 15% 40% N/A 4%

250kW, 690V 140% 15% 40% N/A 2%

500kW, 690V 140% 15% 35% N/A 1%

POWER CIRCUIT
OUTLINE
 APPLICATION SPECIFIC NOTES

Applications with ‘long’ cable lengths

The definition of ‘long’ depends on the drive rating and type, and
may vary between 50m for lower power drives and 500m for higher
powers - refer to manufacturers technical documentation. For these
applications, new factors are introduced and the drive supplier
should be consulted.

Drive switching strategies

Some drive types use control strategies which could allow bipolar
switching. These systems could theoretically double the motor peak
voltage stress. GAMBICA inverter manufacturers implement control
mechanisms to inhibit bipolar switching. If in doubt the drive or motor
supplier should be consulted.

Frequent or continuous braking duty

Where the drive spends a large part of its operating time in braking
mode, the effect is similar to increasing the supply voltage by up to
20% and this should be taken into consideration - e.g. treat a 400V
application as if it was supplied with 480V.

Active front end

For drives with PWM active front ends (regenerative and/or unity
power factor), the effective supply voltage is increased by around
15% and this should be taken into consideration e.g. treat a 480V
application as if it was supplied with 550V.

Hazardous area approval

The application of inverters to ‘Ex’ motors may invalidate the
hazardous area certification - refer to the motor manufacturer.
 THE GAMBICA ASSOCIATION LIMITED ROTATING ELECTRICAL MACHINES
WESTMINSTER TOWER, ASSOCIATION
3 ALBERT EMBANKMENT, WESTMINSTER TOWER,
LONDON SE1 7SW. 3 ALBERT EMBANKMENT,
Tel: +44(0)20 7793 3050 LONDON SE1 7SL.
Fax: +44(0)20 7793 7635 Tel: +44(0)20 7793 3041
Email: assoc@gambica.org.uk Fax: +44(0)20 7582 8020
Web: www.gambica.org.uk Email: rema@beama.org.uk
Web: www.rema.uk.com
GAMBICA is the Association for Instrumentation, Control, Automation and has a group profile for
suppliers of Variable Speed Drives
REMA is the Rotating Electrical Machines Association representing manufacturers of rotating electrical machines,
other than turbine type machines, traction motors or machines for the use in aircraft.
The greatest care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this guide, but
no liability can be accepted by GAMBICA, REMA or their members, for errors of any kind.

Always refer to your Drive and Motor Suppliers if in doubt about correct matching

GAMBICA MEMBERS
- Variable Speed Drives
ABB Automation Ltd
9 The Towers, Wilmslow Road
Didsbury, Manchester M20 2AB
Tel: +44 (0)161 445 5555
Fax: +44 (0)161 448 1089
Email: drives.sales@gb.abb.com
Web: www.abb.co.uk
ALSTOM Power Conversion Ltd
Boughton Road, Rugby
Warwickshire CV21 1BU
Tel: +44 (0)1788 563625
Fax: +44 (0)1788 563780
Email: general.drives@powerconv.alstom.com
Web: www.alstom.com
Baldor UK Ltd
Mint Motion Centre, 6 Bristol Distribution
Park, Hawkley Drive, Bristol BS32 0BF
Tel: +44 (0)1454 850000
Fax: +44 (0)1454 859001
Email: sales@baldor.co.uk
Web: www.baldor.co.uk
Claude Lyons Ltd
Brook Road, Waltham Cross
Hertfordshire EN8 7LR
Tel: +44 (0)1992 768888
Fax: +44 (0)1992 788000
Email: info@claudelyons.co.uk
Web: www.claudelyons.co.uk
Control Techniques UK
Stafford Park 4, Telford TF3 3BA
Tel: +44 (0)1952 213700
Fax: +44 (0)1952 213701
Email: ctdirect@compuserve.com
Web: www.controltechniques.com
Danfoss Ltd
Perivale Industrial Park
Horsenden Lane South
Greenford, Middlesex UB6 7QE
Tel: +44 (0)870 241 7200
Fax: +44 (0)870 241 7150
Email: uk.drives.sales@danfoss.com
Web: www.danfoss.co.uk
Eaton Ltd, Cutler-Hammer
Carina, Sunrise Parkway, Linford Wood
Milton Keynes, Bucks MK14 6NR
Tel: +44 (0)1908 541600
Fax: +44 (0)1908 660527
Email: Ch-help-uk@eaton.com
Web: www.ch.cutler-hammer.com/global/uk
GE Power Controls Limited
East Lancashire Road
Liverpool L10 5HB
Tel: +44 (0)151 524 1122
Fax: +44 (0)151 524 6282
Email: sales@gepc.ge.com
Web: www.gepowercontrols.com
HID Ltd / Hitachi
Shuttleworth Close
Gapton Hall Ind Estate
Great Yarmouth
Norfolk NR31 0NQ
Tel: +44 (0)1493 442525
Fax: +44 (0)1493 442323
Email: sales@hid.co.uk
Web: www.hid.co.uk
Hill Graham Controls Ltd
Lincoln Road, Cressex
High Wycombe
Bucks HP12 3RB
Tel: +44 (0)1494 440121
Fax: +44 (0)1494 438810
Email: hillgraham@compuserve.com
Web: www.hillgraham.com
IMO Precision Controls Ltd
100 North Circular Road
Staples Corner, London NW2 7JP
Tel: +44 (0)208 452 6444
Fax: +44 (0)208 450 2274
Email: imo@imopc.com
Web: www.imopc.com
Lenze Ltd
Caxton Road, Bedford MK41 0HT
Tel: +44 (0)1234 321200
Fax: +44 (0)1234 261815
Email: sales@lenze.co.uk
Web: www.lenze.co.uk
Mitsubishi Electric Europe B.V.
Automation Systems Division
Travellers Lane, Hatfield
Herts AL10 8XB
Tel: +44 (0)1707 276100
Fax: +44 (0)1707 278695
Web: www.industrial.meuk.co.uk
Moeller Electric Ltd
PO Box 35, Gatehouse Close
Aylesbury, Bucks HP19 8DH
Tel: +44 (0)1296 393322
Fax: +44 (0)1296 421854
Email: support@moeller.co.uk
Web: www.moeller.co.uk
Omron Electronics UK Ltd EFACEC (UK) Ltd
1 Apsley Way, Staples Corner, London NW2 7HF Unit 12, Riverside Industrial Park
Tel: +44 (0)20 8450 4646 Ipswich, Suffolk IP2 8JX
Fax: +44 (0)20 8450 8087 Tel: +44 (0)1473 602352
Email: oeeuk_sales@eu.omron.com Fax +44 (0)1473 602194
Web: www.omron.co.uk
Essex International Ltd
Rockwell Automation Ltd Ellis Ashton Street
Pitfield, Kiln Farm, Milton Keynes MK11 3DR Huyton Business Park
Tel: +44 (0)1908 838800 Liverpool L36 6BW
Fax: +44 (0)1908 839699 Tel: +44 (0)151 443 6000
Email: emccourt@ra.rockwell.com Fax: +44 (0)151 443 6025
Web: www.automation.rockwell.com Web: www.superioressex.com
Schneider Electric Ltd Invensys Brook Crompton
University of Warwick Science Park St Thomas Road, Huddersfield
Sir William Lyons Road, Coventry CV4 7EZ West Yorkshire HD1 3LJ
Tel: +44 (0)2476 416255 Tel: +44 (0)1484 422150
Fax: +44 (0)2476 417517 Fax: +44 (0)1484 557201
Web: www.schneider.co.uk Web: www.brookcrompton.com
Siemens plc Morley Electric Motors Co Ltd
Automation & Drives, Sir William Siemens House Bradford Road, Leeds
Princess Road, Manchester M20 2UR West Yorkshire LS28 6QA
Tel: +44 (0)161 446 6400 Tel: +44 (0)113 257 1734
Fax: +44 (0)161 446 5471 Fax: +44 (0)113 257 0751
Email: info@plcman.siemens.co.uk Email: sales@morleymotors.com
Web: www.siemens-industry.co.uk Web: www.morleymotors.com
Yaskawa Electric Europe GmbH Peebles Electrical Machines Ltd
Units 2/3 Centurion Court Wood Road, Rosyth
Brick Close, Kiln Farm Dunfermline, Fife, KY11 2EA
Milton Keynes, Bucks MK11 3JA Tel: +44 (0)1383 422001
Tel: +44 (0)1908 565874 Fax: +44 (0)1383 422285
Fax: +44 (0)1908 565891
Web: www.yaskawa.co.uk
SEM Ltd
Faraday Way, Orpington
REMA MEMBERS
Kent BR5 3QT
- Motors
Tel: +44 (0)1689 884700
Fax: +44 (0)1689 884884
ALSTOM Electrical Machines Ltd Web: www.sem.co.uk
Leicester Road, Rugby, Warks CV21 1BD
Tel: +44 (0)1788 542121
Siemens plc
Fax: +44 (0)1788 541280
Automation and Drives
Web: www.powerconv.alstom.com
Sir William Siemens House
Princess Road
ALSTOM Power Ltd Manchester M20 2UR
Lichfield Road, Stafford ST17 4LN Tel: +44 (0)161 446 5330
Tel: +44 (0)1785 223221 Fax: +44 (0)161 446 5395
Fax: +44 (0)1785 274176 Email: info@plcman.siemens.co.uk
Web: www.siemens-industry.co.uk
Baldor UK Ltd
Mint Motion Centre, 6 Bristol Distribution Teco Electric Europe Limited
Park, Hawkley Drive, Bristol BS32 0BF Marshall Stevens Way
Tel: +44 (0)1454 859000 Trafford Park
Fax +44 (0)1454 859001 Manchester M17 1PP
Email: sales@baldor.co.uk Tel: +44(0)161 877 8025
Web: www.baldor.co.uk Fax: +44(0)161 877 8030

©Gambica/Rema 2001 03/01